‘Young Frankenstein’ coming to the Ziegfeld Theater
Daniel Pack and Eb Mason star as the doctor and Igor in The Ziegfeld Theater's production of Young Frankenstein. Contributed
The cast of "Young Frankenstein," playing at the Zigfield Theater. Contributed
OGDEN — “Young Frankenstein” will make its premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater October 16, just in time for the Halloween season.
The popular Mel Brooks movie was turned into a Broadway Musical and was met with great popularity, so the Zig wanted to bring a little of that Halloween magic to local audiences. “Comedy is something we do well and our production of Mel Brooks’ The Producers last year was such a great show, we knew we needed to tackle this one also,” said Bonnie Romney, associate producer at the Zig. Plus, she said most everyone loves the humorous “Young Frankenstein” story.
Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick “Fronkensteen” is surprised to learn he has inherited his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, Frederick, a normally serious medical expert, finds himself thrust into the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors.
Romney said that because of the catchy tunes and enduring characters, the show is relevant for both fans of the movie and those who are newcomers to the story. “It has everything you love about the film, but then there’s extra. So if there are jokes from the film that you are dying to see on stage, you’ll get them and you’ll get all the extra jokes that Mel Brooks wrote into the musical. It’s a great choice for lovers of the original,” Romney said.
The cast has several repeat performers, well loved by audiences of the Zig. Frederick Frankenstein is played by Zig regular Daniel Pack — seen in “West Side Story,” “Les Mis” and “Fiddler on the Roof” this year. Igor is a newcomer to the Zig’s main stage productions although he has been seen in improv shows. The Monster is played by Rick Rea, a familiar face to just about anyone who has attended The Zig. He is a director, music director and artistic director at the Zig, as well as sometimes performer. “It’s a real treat to be able to see him in costume,” Romney said. The two leading ladies are also familiar faces: Erica Choffel, “Fiddler on the Roof” and “West Side Story,” as Inga and Becky Cole, who has been in “basically everything,” as Elizabeth.
Caleb Parry directs the show and has directed at the Zig before, his most recent directing gig was “Fiddler on the Roof.”
The Zig will host an opening night gala on October 16 to celebrate the cast and welcome new audiences. There will production-themed treats as well as a chance to mingle with the cast while still in costume and have pictures taken.
Romney said that most people won’t be familiar with the music, but will be with the story. She said the music is every bit as fun and witty as Brooks’ music in “The Producers.” “There are some surprisingly beautiful moments as well,” Romney said. Plus, it’s the perfect show for the Halloween season, Romney said.
Regular performances are 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, with two 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays November 7 and 14. The show runs until November 17. Tickets can be purchased online at www.theziegfeldtheater.com. Prices range from $17 to $19. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office at 3934 S. Washington Blvd., Ogden. The show runs about 150 minutes and contains adult language and sexual humor, so it may not be suitable for all ages.